Goodwill Hawaii and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii (BBBS) have formed a new partnership and made it easy for Maui residents to make donations to these important non-profits.

Donation pods that will benefit both organizations are located at Kihei Recycling and Redemption Center and the Pukalani Longs Drugs parking lot. Goodwill Hawaii is managing them.

“We believe in the mission and programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii brings to the community and felt it was important to come together to support one another for the betterment of Maui’s families, who are still dealing with the social/economic impacts of the pandemic,” said Goodwill Hawaii president and CEO Katy Chen.

“It’s gratifying to know that the revenue generated from the sale of donations collected will stay right here on Maui to help local people.”

Since the pandemic began, Goodwill has helped more than 2,000 people statewide get necessary job training and employment services to get back to work.

Goodwill’s programs are supported by the sale of community donations in its thrift stores. Ninety percent of the revenue generated in Goodwill’s thrift stores goes back into its programs that help more than 800 low-income families, people transitioning out of incarceration, adults with disabilities, at-risk youth and immigrants on Maui.

“We are grateful to Goodwill Hawaii for this partnership and stepping up to manage some of our donation centers, as it allows us to focus our efforts on our youth mentorship and development services that we have been providing to the Maui community for 20 years,” said Dennis Brown, BBBS Hawaii president and CEO. “The pandemic has only added to the burden that many of our youth face, and it’s important that we continue to put their needs at the forefront.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 1,400 Hawaii children and volunteers annually in its mentoring programs that help at-risk youth reach their goals and improve self-esteem.

Research has shown that youth in their program are more likely to achieve educational success, avoid risky behaviors and have increased social and emotional well-being.

Support these non-profits and their efforts to help people on Maui.